How to Make a Study Skills Checklist

When you're preparing for an upcoming exam, completing a class project or working on a report, meet all the requirements and remember the facts with the help of a study skills checklist that will ensure you're not leaving anything out.

Instructions

1. Make a rough draft of the study skills checklist by jotting down any information that your teacher has provided on the upcoming test, for example. Note what chapters or subjects the exam will cover, what type of questions will be on the test and how many days you have to prepare.

2. Add more information that will help you target what to study. Consider where the majority of your teacher's questions typically come from, such as the points summarized at the end of each chapter, the sample questions from the textbook or his lectures, the type of questions that you've had trouble with in the past and the areas that a teacher's aide or older sibling suggests you study.

3. Create a final checklist that will become the framework for how you study for the exam. If you're studying for a history test, for example, "to do" lines on the list might include re-reading the text in the entire chapter, highlighting key points in the text, making notes or flashcards, reading class notes, memorizing facts, studying sample questions and reviewing notes and flashcards.

4. Spread your study sessions out to ensure you have enough time to complete each item on the checklist and have one or two days before the exam to review and to have a family member give you a sample quiz.

5. Prepare a checklist for a project by breaking it down into stages such as research, rough draft, visuals, editing and final draft, for example. Beneath each step on the list, make notes that stress the type of information or artwork that you teacher wants. Consult a calendar to determine how much time you can devote to each step so you're not rushing to complete the project the night before it's due.